# PICC : Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter

- Link: https://sifsof.com/clinical-apps/picc-peripherally-inserted-central-catheter/
- Published: 2019-08-23T19:22:02+00:00
- Author: Monica

**Peripherally inserted central catheters** (**PICCs**) offer the ability to have
long-term **central venous access** without the need to have a surgically or radiologically-
inserted tunnelled central venous catheter or chest/brachial port.

**[Physicians](https://sifsof.com/product-category/doctor-specialties/medical-examiner/)**
usually target the basilic and **brachial veins**,** **which are the most common
for **PICC**. Preprocedure ultrasound can be performed to identify an appropriately-
sized vessel and ensure it is clot-free.

A **[mini linear](https://sifsof.com/product-category/ultrasound-scanner/mini-linear-ultrasound-scanner/)**
transducer with high frequency offer real-time ultrasound guidance during **PICC
placement**.

It has been proven that the mini linear ultrasound scanner reduces the incidence
of tip malposition and insertional injuries.

 The Ultrasound scanning modality is a valuable tool in vascular access. It does
not only increases success rates but it also helps the practitioner avoid complications
associated with lind needle sticks.

In addition the guidance that ultrasound offers, reduces the risks that patients
might suffer, causing less vessel trauma than with blind insertion, gratifying the
user the Ability to access deeper veins that are non-palpable and offer increased
patient comfort and satisfaction. That is by letting you see veins clearly and steering
you away from access sites compromised by such problems as vascular thrombosis or
stenosis.

“When using ultrasound for venipuncture, position the ultrasound handheld probe(
also called a transducer) on the skin to produce either transverse or sagittal images
of veins. When you position the probe perpendicular to a vein, the vein appears 
as a circle on the ultrasound monitor screen; this is a transverse view. Placing
the probe parallel to the vein produces a sagittal (longitudinal) view of the vein.

![PICC scan result ](https://sifsof.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/PICC-SCAN-RESULT-
1.png)

The transverse view is usually more helpful for guiding needle insertion. The sagittal
view can help you follow a vein’s path, looking for valves, stenosis, and other 
abnormalities while moving the probe up the arm.

You’ll use your nondominant hand to hold the ultrasound probe and perform venipuncture
with your dominant hand. To keep the insertion field sterile, place a sterile cover
over the probe and use a sterile lubricant on the probe. Ask an assistant to make
any necessary adjustments on the ultrasound machine while you work.” Source [PICC Midline insertion workshop.](https://www.teleflex.com/anz/en/australia-education/clinical-resources/US-PICC-Midline-Insertion-Workshop-2017-NZ.pdf)

Like many other medical skills, using an ultrasound scanner requires practice, fine
hand-eye coordination and a little imagination. While scanning, visualize the point
and angle of entry required for the needle to enter the vein right under the probe.
Imagine a two-dimensional pane of glass running through the patient’s arm; the needle
should be positioned at such an angle that it would hit that pane right at the vein
directly under the probe.

The ultrasound can also be used a Vessel assessment prior to insertion tool. As 
it assures vein is patent, determines appropriate size/depth of vessel, characteristics
of pathway and blood flow in vessel, determines the location of surrounding anatomical
structures. Further, it is an indispensable tool for the assessment of vessel after
insertion • Determines continued patency of vein • Recognition of catheter related
vessel thrombosis • Troubleshooting      

PICC is inserted by : **[Anesthesiologist](https://sifsof.com/product-category/doctor-specialties/anesthesiologist/)**,
Board certified radiologists trained in vascular interventional procedures, Qualified
and specially trained radiology nurses, Radiology physician assistants or Radiology
nurse practitioners …

Reference: [PICC insertion procedure.](https://www.hss.edu/conditions_picc-insertion-procedure.asp#inserts)

 * ![Mini Linear Handheld WiFi Ultrasound Scanner 10-12-14 MHz, SIFULTRAS-3.5 main](
   https://sifsof.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/SIFULTRAS-3.5-mini-linear-ultrasound-
   scanner-300x300.jpg)
 * Mini Linear Handheld WiFi Ultrasound Scanner 10-12-14 MHz, SIFULTRAS-3.5
 * ![Color Doppler Mini Linear WiFi Ultrasound Scanner SIFULTRAS-3.51 main](https://
   sifsof.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/SIFULTRAS-3.51-wireless-mini-linear-color-
   doppler-ultrasound-scanner-300x300.jpg)
 * Color Doppler Mini Linear WiFi Ultrasound Scanner SIFULTRAS-3.51

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_Disclaimer: Although the information we provide is used by different doctors and
medical staff to perform their procedures and clinical applications, the information
contained in this article is for consideration only. SIFSOF is not responsible neither
for the misuse of the device nor for the wrong or random generalizability of the
device in all clinical applications or procedures mentioned in our articles. Users
must have the proper training and skills to perform the procedure with each ultrasound
scanner device._

_The products mentioned in this article are only for sale to medical staff (doctors,
nurses, certified practitioners, etc.) or to private users assisted by or under 
the supervision of a medical professional.  _